NU Provides Grant

To Rivers Alliance

SOUTHBURY — Northeast Utilities (NU) has awarded the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut a grant of $3,500 to publish a newsletter which provides educational and environmental news related to Connecticut’s rivers.

The check was presented to Margaret Miner, executive director of Rivers Alliance, by William Stax, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) Newtown/New Milford general manager and Richard Miller, NU manager of environmental regulatory affairs at the Shepaug Dam Eagle Observation Center located at the Shepaug Hydro Plant in Southbury.

It is the mission of the Rivers Alliance to protect and enhance Connecticut’s rivers and streams by promoting sound river and watershed policies, uniting and strengthening the state’s many river groups and educating the public about the importance of river conservation.

“We are most grateful to Northeast Utilities for supporting the publication of our annual newsletters, which help friends of rivers around the state receive news on all kinds of issues and facts that bear on the effort to make our rivers clean and healthy. Here at NU’s eagle watch station we can all see how the combined efforts of industry and environmental groups can lead to a good outcome. We hope that ongoing cooperation with NU and the friends of Connecticut’s rivers will serve as a catalyst for the increased protection of our waterways and natural river habitats,” said Margaret Miner, executive director of Rivers Alliance.

In addition to its public outreach functions some of the major issues and initiatives the organization is working on include  river flow issues and water allocation policy, electric utility restructuring, and support of river and watershed groups.

“The Shepaug Hydro Plant and Eagle Observation Center is a fitting place to present the grant award to Rivers Alliance. This site demonstrates the level of commitment and concern that NU has for the environment and for Connecticut’s watersheds,” said Robert Gates, CL&P production manager.

Beginning December 7, the public may make reservations to visit the Northeast Utilities (NU) Shepaug Bald Eagle Observation area. The observation area will be open from December 29 through March 22, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (except New Years Day) from 9 am to 1 pm. Admission is free and reservations are required.

Reservations for individuals and groups can be made Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm (except holidays) by calling toll-free 800/368-8954.